Police investigate Kona drowning

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Police are investigating a possible drowning that occurred at OTEC Beach in Kailua-Kona late Sunday afternoon. The victim, an unidentified Caucasian man, appeared to be in his 30s.

Officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to a report of a swimmer in distress at OTEC Beach. It was reported that three men, including the victim, were near the bathrooms at the beach when the man fell into the water and due to the large waves, wasn’t able to return ashore.

Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel arrived on the scene and conducted a search, found the victim, who had no signs of life and took him by boat to Honokohau Harbor.

The man, whose identity hasb’t been released, was then taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Police have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the police department’s nonemergency number (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.